June 2025 - Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail

We’d like to introduce you to the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail’s newest partner, The Carriage. The Carriage is a 14-seat shuttle providing safe transportation to, from, and between all 20 of our craft breweries. With customizable itineraries, comfy seating, party lights, and karaoke, they’re dedicated to making your brewery experience safe, convenient, and better than ever!

1. Tell us the story behind The Carriage. How did it all begin?

The idea for The Carriage really came out of our own love for brewery tours. We’ve always enjoyed spending the day with friends, hitting a few local spots, and just having a great time together without anyone having to drive. As we started thinking about retirement, we tossed around the idea of getting our own brewery tour bus to combine our love of local breweries, good company, and travel. In 2023, we found the perfect vehicle and we decided to take the leap and open a business focused on brewery and winery tour transportation. In a short two years, our business has grown and we have added a second bus. That’s how The Carriage got rolling—literally!

2. What inspired you to start a shuttle service, and why in the Shenandoah Valley?

The Shenandoah Valley is home for us, and we’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. This area has become a real destination for craft beer lovers, with so many amazing breweries to explore. We wanted to create a fun, stress-free, and safe way for people to experience it all—just like we enjoy doing ourselves. With The Carriage, we’re not just giving folks a ride—we’re helping support local tourism and partnering with the incredible breweries that make this region so special. It’s a great way to bring people together and shine a spotlight on what makes the Valley such a great place to visit.

3. What sets The Carriage apart from other transportation options in the area?

We’ve designed The Carriage to be more than just transportation—it’s part of the fun. Our buses are fully renovated with comfort and entertainment in mind. From limousine-style seating and vinyl flooring to party lights and a top-notch sound system, the whole setup encourages a good time. We’ve added mobile Wi-Fi and onboard TVs with cable and streaming, so there’s always something to watch—or sing along to! Karaoke has quickly become a crowd favorite and adds a whole new level of fun between stops. We feel like the ride itself becomes part of the adventure.

4. What excites you most about being part of the Beerwerks Trail experience?

One of the most exciting parts of being part of the Beerwerks Trail is the chance to build real relationships with the local breweries. We love getting to know the people behind the beer and helping more visitors discover everything they have to offer. Our goal is to make it seamless and enjoyable for folks to explore the trail—whether it’s their first visit or their fifth. We’re proud to play a part in bringing more customers to these fantastic local spots and supporting the craft beer community here in the Shenandoah Valley.

5. How does The Carriage enhance a brewery-goer’s visit to the trail?

The Carriage makes it easy for brewery-goers to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about the drive. Guests can visit multiple stops along the Beerwerks Trail, knowing they’ll be safe, comfortable, and in good company the entire way. From the moment they hop on board, the experience is elevated—with cozy seating, onboard entertainment, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps the fun going between breweries. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy everything the Valley’s breweries have to offer.

6. Describe a typical Beerwerks shuttle experience. What can riders expect?

No two rides on The Carriage are ever the same—and that’s part of the fun! We tailor each experience to match the vibe of the group. Some folks want a laid-back cruise through the Valley, soaking in the views between stops. Others turn it into a rolling celebration, complete with music, karaoke, and party lights. With all the amenities on board, groups can make the experience their own. What’s most rewarding for us is seeing how each group makes the experience special—whether it’s a birthday, a weekend getaway, or just a day out with friends, it’s always a fun way to travel.

7. Is there music on board? Snacks? Games? Give us the vibe!

The Carriage is built for a good time! We’ve got a high-quality sound system on board, and music is always part of the ride—whether it’s a party playlist, your own tunes, or even karaoke. Groups are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, and many bring along games to keep things lively. That said, plenty of folks just kick back, enjoy the ride, and take in the views. We let each group set the tone—whether you’re going for chill and scenic or upbeat and festive, we’re here to match the vibe.

8. What’s the most fun or surprising thing that’s happened during a tour?

There’s never a dull moment on The Carriage, but some of the best memories come as the day unfolds—when the music gets louder, the singing kicks in, and next thing you know, there’s a full-on dance party happening on board. One of our favorite surprises has been discovering just how much karaoke talent we have here in the Shenandoah Valley! It’s always a blast watching people let loose, cheer each other on, and really make the experience their own. Every tour has its own energy, and that’s what makes it so much fun for us too.

9. Any tips for riders to make the most of their Beerwerks shuttle adventure?

Honestly, just come ready to have a good time! Traveling with The Carriage is easy—we’re flexible and do our best to tailor each ride to the group. The one tip we always share: book early, especially for weekends or during peak seasons when the weather’s nice. Tours can fill up quickly, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun!

10. What’s your personal favorite karaoke song?

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is definitely the crowd favorite—and we can’t argue with that! It’s one of those songs that gets everyone singing along, no matter the group. The energy when the whole bus joins in is just the best. It’s become a bit of a tradition on The Carriage, and we love it every time.

11. How can people book a ride, and what should they know before hopping on board?

Booking with us is easy. Just call or text 540-320-4514. We’re always happy to chat and help you plan the perfect outing. You can also visit our website, where you’ll find a helpful FAQ section that covers common questions. Whether you’re planning ahead or just starting to explore options, we’re here to make the process fun, flexible, and stress-free. And don’t forget to follow us on social media @TheCarriage.netVA (instagram) or @TheCarriageShuttle (facebook).

Summer brings vacation and family time as well as the sunny skies and hot temperatures of beer-drinking weather. It’s also time to start thinking about how to spend summer’s biggest event, Independence Day, which is especially important this year because it is the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Why not augment your enjoyment and understanding of the holiday with some background of American history and appreciation of national attractions? Toast your new knowledge with a stop at a nearby Beerwerks brewery.

VA250

While many of our localities celebrate Independence Day annually, VA250 is Virginia’s statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and U.S. independence. It blends celebration, education, and civic engagement as it strives to “educate Americans about our history; engage with every community to tell a complete story; and inspire people to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship.” Check the schedule for upcoming events in the Valley and across the Commonwealth.

Natural Beauty

Shenandoah National Park

10 minutes from Elkton Brewing Co.

Stretching along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, which is home to more than 300 animal and 1,300 plant species. The public can enjoy it on 500 miles of hiking trails, in camping and recreation areas, and on the Skyline Drive and its 75 scenic overlooks. Established to conserve the area’s natural beauty and ensure public access, much of the park’s infrastructure dates to the Great Depression when the Civilian Conservation Corps workers built trails and lodges as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal. Make sure to take a ranger-led tour of Rapidan Camp, constructed in 1929 as Herbert Hoover’s “summer White House” and used by US presidents until the 1970s.

Natural Bridge

9 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery

Natural Bridge State Park’s 215-foot tall and 90-foot wide stone arch is all that remains after the erosive power of Cedar Creek collapsed an ancient cave system in the limestone. The natural wonder has fascinated generations of Virginia residents, ranging from the Native Americans to modern tourists. Legend has it that George Washington surveyed the Natural Bridge and carved his initials into the rock wall on the south side of the arch. Later, Thomas Jefferson showed his appreciation when he bought the bridge and the surrounding acres for about $200 in today’s money. Ten miles of hiking trails–including Cedar Creek Trail, which leads under the bridge to Lace Falls–offer views of surrounding mountains, forests, and meadows. Other attractions include a disc golf trail, star-gazing and nature programming, picnic shelter, visitor’s center and trail shop, and an educational Kids in Parks Track Trail.

Frontier Settlement and Cultural History

The Virginia Quilt Museum

9 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing

Quilts offer warmth and protection, but handmade ones are more than just functional textiles. They can serve as historical documents and offer insight into the cultural, social, and artistic lives of communities over time. Dayton’s Virginia Quilt Museum tells Virginia’s story through its quilting heritage with two floors of gallery space housing over 300 quilts dating back to the 18th century. The museum, located in historic 1822 Silver Lake Mill, features traditional and contemporary quilting arts. Museum programming teaches visitors about the Valley’s cultural history as well as how to appreciate the quilting arts through classes and workshops.

Rocktown History

15 minutes from White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple WOLF Vineyard

Exhibits at Dayton’s Rocktown History preserve the history of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. They include artifacts and narratives from the area’s early settlement and frontier life, folk art and crafts, Civil War, WWI, and WWII history, and African American heritage. The museum hosts lots of special events and education programming like monthly Third Thursday talks and history workshops on various topics. Visitors can also access a free research library with lots of local and genealogical resources and a self-guided walking tour of Dayton.

The Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center

9 minutes from Feel the Rain Brothers Brew Co.

The 24-acre Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center celebrates the historical and spiritual legacies of Brethren and Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley with guided tours of historic buildings, exhibits, and wholesome hands-on farm activities like carpentry and churning butter. Look for special events like historical lectures, hymn sings, worship services, Christmas and Easter programming, and the popular Sing Me High Music Festival.

Waynesboro Heritage Museum

5 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.

The Blue Ridge Mountains created a formidable obstacle for horses and wagons and once marked the frontier for pioneers moving west. One of the reasons for Waynesboro’s early growth was because it was a safe resting place after successful crossings at Rockfish Gap. The Waynesboro Heritage Museum, located in a restored 1908 bank building, includes artifacts, photographs, maps, furniture, textiles, and more in its exhibits on the city’s history. Permanent and rotating galleries deal with a variety of historical eras and subjects like the railroad, Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, industry, and education.

Woodrow Wilson Birthplace

5 minutes from Redbeard Brewing Company

Virginia is sometimes called the Mother of Presidents because it produced a total of 8, which is more than any other state! You can learn about Staunton’s native son at Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. The museum’s exhibits chronicle his life, Staunton and American history, and the history of those who lived in the house, including enslaved persons. The museum also sheds light on World War I, the League of Nations, and important progressive reforms like suffrage and prohibition. Visitors will especially enjoy an exhibit on trench warfare, a walk through the decorative gardens, and visits to Wilson’s Pierce Arrow and the gift shop. Check the calendar for a wide variety of educational programs and events. If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, join a free walking tour of historic Staunton led by the Historic Staunton Foundation.

The Frontier Culture Museum

15 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing and Cidery

Different cultures and peoples settled in the Valley at different times. As each group brought its history and traditions and adapted to the landscape, it encountered and merged with other groups, and the overall culture evolved over time. Costumed interpreters at Staunton’s open-air Frontier Culture Museum illustrate the daily lives and traditions of the Valley’s earliest residents as they work farms representing various points in history. Visitors will tour old-world farms like those built in Europe and Africa as well as new-world farms constructed on the American frontier.

The Shenandoah Valley offers a wealth of natural beauty and important sites in American history. Make sure to schedule a visit as you travel the Beerwerks Trail.

Month: June 2025

The Carriage